MANILA. Former actress Gretchen Barretto on Friday denied allegations linking her to the disappearance of over 100 cockfight enthusiasts, a day after she was named a suspect in the ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued by her legal counsel, Atty. Alma Mallonga, Barretto refuted claims that she played a role in the alleged abductions. Mallonga clarified that Barretto was merely one of 20 investors, referred to as “alpha members,” in online cockfighting or e-sabong operations.
“She attended no meetings where approvals were sought nor given to implement the disappearances. The proposition is so absurd, it is a plain invention,” said Mallonga.
The statement came after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that both Barretto and businessman Atong Ang are now considered suspects in the case and will be subject to further investigation.
The development followed accusations made by Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as alyas Totoy, who claimed that Ang was the mastermind behind the abductions. Patidongan, who said he previously served as head of security at Ang’s cockfighting arenas, also implicated Barretto in the alleged scheme.
Ang has denied the accusations, saying Patidongan and another former employee had attempted to extort P300 million from him, threatening to drag his name into the case if he refused.
Mallonga stated that Barretto had also been the target of similar threats and extortion attempts.
Despite the accusations, Barretto has expressed her willingness to fully cooperate with authorities.
“Ms. Barretto awaits the result of the investigation and will fully cooperate in the process. This is her priority. In the meantime she beseeches the authorities to be fair and thorough, and for the public not to rush to judgment,” Mallonga said.
“In the end, Ms. Barretto trusts that an objective investigation will prove her lack of involvement in the case and the unfairness and falsity of the accusations against her,” she added.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
